Travel Today, Sustain Tomorrow - In Shima, you'll take part in the Amagoya Experience. An 'Ama' is a professional female shellfish diver who dives into the sea without an oxygen tank or any other equipment to catch shellfish and seaweed. 'Amagoya' literally means the hut where the Ama divers take a rest with their colleagues after diving. Take the opportunity to enjoy the flavour of char-grilled local fresh seafood while listening to their animated stories.

Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependent on weather conditions so can also vary slightly each year. Late March to mid April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed.

Visas are generally not required for Japan for many nationalities. Please contact the consulate/embassy for further information.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

Travel Today, Sustain Tomorrow - In Shima, you'll take part in the Amagoya Experience. An 'Ama' is a professional female shellfish diver who dives into the sea without an oxygen tank or any other equipment to catch shellfish and seaweed. 'Amagoya' literally means the hut where the Ama divers take a rest with their colleagues after diving. Take the opportunity to enjoy the flavour of char-grilled local fresh seafood while listening to their animated stories.

Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependent on weather conditions so can also vary slightly each year. Late March to mid April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed.

Visas are generally not required for Japan for many nationalities. Please contact the consulate/embassy for further information.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

About this trip

Retrace the steps of the ancients - a spiritual interlude with some of Japan's most sacred places and the extraordinary rituals performed throughout millennia. Visit the birthplace of Shingon Buddism, the elegantly painted sliding doors of Kongobunji Temple and delight in vegetarian dishes served by local monks at their monastery lodgings.

Sightseeing Highlights

City Tour of Osaka and Kyoto

View the Nachi waterfall in Kumano

Visit Osaka Castle and the Abeno Harukas Observatory in Osaka, the Kongobuji Temple and the Danjo Garan Temple in Mt. Koya, the Ise Jingu Shrine and Mikimoto Pearl Island in Shima, the Ninja Museum and Ueno Castle in Iga and the Bamboo Forest, the Kinkakuji Temple and Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto

Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Osaka Itami or Kansai International Airport, transfer by pre-booked airport shuttle service to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception drink with appetisers.

Hotel

Rihga Royal Osaka

Meals

Welcome Reception

Hotel

Rihga Royal Osaka

Meals

Welcome Reception

Day 1

Day 2

OsakaDay 2 - Osaka

After breakfast start your city tour with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built the original castle in 1583 as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of 100,000 workers. Although the present structure is a 1931 reconstruction, it's nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park, which has the bonus of being a great place to view cherry blossom in the springtime. Next visit the Abeno Harukas Observatory which standing at 300 metres is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The building stands on top of Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and it houses a department store, an art museum, a hotel and the observation deck which occupies the buildings top three floors. With large floor-to-ceiling glass panels all around, the 60th floor offers 360 degree panoramic views of Osaka. Later enjoy some free time for shopping in the Umeda district before returning to the hotel. This afternoon is yours at leisure or choose to join an Optional Experience.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Nara Visit and Ink Making Experience

Live like a local and travel to Nara by train with your Travel Director. Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan and specialises in ‘bokusho’ the art of ink-making. The inksticks are delicately crafted by artisans and the meticulous process involves kneading soot with glue, adding fragrances and carefully moulding the mixture into the desired shape before slowly drying it into its finished form. Handcrafted inksticks are more than just everyday utensils used by calligraphers and artists – their inspired quality and shapes also make them works of art. Observe the artisans at work and have a go at making your own inkstick which you are welcome to keep as a souvenir. Later visit Todaji Temple which is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. It houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha at 15 metres tall. Afterwards visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer before returning to Osaka by train. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.

Adult Price: ¥5500.00

Day 2

Day 3

Osaka - Mt Koya - ShirahamaDay 3 - Osaka - Mt Koya - Shirahama

This morning travel to Mt. Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where the Shingon Buddism sect was introduced in 805 by the priest Kukai, who posthumously became known as Kobo Daishi. Here visit the Kongobuji Temple with its elegantly painted sliding doors and the Danjo Garan Temple, one of the first complexes built by Kobo Daishi in Mt. Koya. Later enjoy a Japanese style vegetarian lunch at a delightful monastery inn (shukubo) served by local monks, a Cultural Insight. Continue to Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery and the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, set in an enchanted forest of towering ancient cedar trees. Travel to Shirahama and later enjoy dinner in a local authentic Japanese 'Izakaya'.

Today visit the Kumano area, the spiritual heartland of Japan and discover the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose to ascend Daimonzaka Hill either on foot or by coach to admire the Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seiganotoji Temple and the impressive Nachi waterfall which at approximately 130 metres high is the tallest waterfall in Japan. Continue your journey by visiting Hayatama Taisha one of Kumano's most important shrines that holds an important place in Japanese mythology. The collection housed in this small museum is impressive, with more national treasures than some major museums. Continue to your hotel which for the next two nights is the Shima Kanko The Classic; famous for hosting the 42nd G7 summit in 2016 which was attended by many top politicians including President Barack Obama. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Hotel

Shima Kanko The Classic

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Hotel

Shima Kanko The Classic

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Day 4

Day 5

Shima - Ise - ShimaDay 5 - Shima - Ise - Shima

Enjoy a later start this morning before travelling to Ise to visit the Ise Jingu Shrine the most revered Shinto sanctuary of great spiritual and historical significance. It consists of an inner and outer shrine and both are rebuilt from scratch every 20 years according to ancient Shinto tradition. Later meet some traditional free divers known as 'Ama', as seen in the James Bond movie 'You Only Live Twice'. They are working women of the region who dressed all in white, dive into the sea without any diving equipment to catch shellfish and seaweed. Enjoy the fine flavour of the char-grilled local fresh seafood while listening to the stories told by the friendly and cheerful divers, a Cultural Insight. Later visit Mikimoto Pearl Island which is the place where, for the first time in the world, pearls were successfully cultured. Then enjoy some free time at a local mall for shopping and dinner at one of the many local and international restaurants.

Travel to Iga and start the day with a visit to the Ninja Museum, dedicated to the history of ninja and ninjutsu, an original form of warfare developed mainly in the region. The museum's collection includes very old ninjutsu writings analyzed scientifically along with ancient weapons. Continue by exploring Ueno Castle constructed in the late 16th century served as the seat of the local lords during the Edo Period. The castle tower was destroyed in a storm less than 50 years later and not rebuilt until 1935 when a local resident provided funding for the tower's reconstruction. Then enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch with a monk at Shorenji Temple in Nabari while learning about the history and traditions of the region. After lunch continue to Kyoto for your overnight stay.

Hotel

New Miyako

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Hotel

New Miyako

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Day 6

Day 7

KyotoDay 7 - Kyoto

Enjoy a late start this morning followed by a visit to Kinkakuji Temple; a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Golden Pavilion reflecting beautifully in the water of the adjoining pond. Lunch today is okonomiyaki; similar to a savoury pancake and made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat, seafood or cheese and grilled in layers on a hot plate in front of you. This afternoon visit Arashiyama, a district on the outskirts of Kyoto. Visit the breath-taking Bamboo Forest and walk along the paths that cut through the bamboo groves. Standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world! Continue on with a visit to Tenryuji Temple which has one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and wonderful mountain views.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Day 7

Day 8

KyotoDay 8 - Kyoto

This morning visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple; a buzzing hive of activity perched on a hill overlooking the city. It is one of Kyoto's most popular and most enjoyable temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then head to Sanjusangendo Hall, a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon or choose to take part in an Optional Experience. This evening have a delightful Farewell dinner with your fellow companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Optional Experiences

Kimono Dressing Experience

From cotton summer yukatas to silk kimonos, these pieces of wearable art are icons of Japanese style. Visit a specialist kimono hiring shop and have fun getting dressed up in traditional Japanese style with the assistance of an expert ‘kimono dresser’ who will show you the tricks to make it easy. Choose your preferred colour of kimono which will come with a matching bag and shoes. A professional stylist will dress you in the kimono and afterwards enjoy some free time to stroll through streets wearing your kimono! Strike a pose for camera carrying visitors or just simply act like a local and take a relaxing stroll through the streets. Great fun for both ladies and gentlemen. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.

Adult Price: ¥5300.00

Day 8

Day 9

Depart KyotoDay 9 - Depart Kyoto

Transfer by airport shuttle to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 9

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/aus/tours/spiritual-japan for the latest discounts & departure information.

Sightseeing Highlights

City Tour of Osaka and Kyoto

View the Nachi waterfall in Kumano

Visit Osaka Castle and the Abeno Harukas Observatory in Osaka, the Kongobuji Temple and the Danjo Garan Temple in Mt. Koya, the Ise Jingu Shrine and Mikimoto Pearl Island in Shima, the Ninja Museum and Ueno Castle in Iga and the Bamboo Forest, the Kinkakuji Temple and Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto

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